Houston RocketsOpen full analysis
Orlando MagicOpen full analysis
The Houston Rockets defeated the Orlando Magic 113–108 on February 26 at Kia Center, with Kevin Durant's 40-point performance anchoring a decisive third-quarter surge that proved decisive. The Rockets outshot Orlando 52.4% to 45.5% from the field while R. Sheppard added 20 points off the bench, and Houston's third quarter was particularly dominant, outscoring the Magic 38–27 to seize control after a tight first half. Orlando's D. Bane led the hosts with 30 points and P. Banchero contributed 19, but the Magic's 11 steals and strong 115.8 offensive rating couldn't overcome Houston's superior efficiency and depth. The Rockets' 41 rebounds to Orlando's 40 and their 120.5 offensive rating demonstrated balanced execution, while the combined 113+108=221 points slightly exceeded the Vegas total of 214.5. Houston's third-quarter explosion—a 16-point quarter-over-quarter improvement—proved the difference in a contest where bench scoring and offensive rebounding ultimately favored the visitors. The victory extends Houston's momentum in the conference race.
